Comparison between Fiber laser cutting machine and plasma cutting machine

Plasma cutting in the field of cutting, especially fine plasma cutting, widely used in many industrial fields. However, with the development of laser technology such as optical fiber, laser cutting machines have begun to favor some users in recent years. Then, compared with laser cutting, which cutting method is more suitable for the production of the company? Comparison between Fiber laser cutting machine and plasma cutting machine
We will explore the advantages and disadvantages of the two cutting processes in multiple dimensions.

First, the working principle

Fine plasma cutting machine

A method in which air, oxygen or nitrogen use as a working gas. And the heat of a high-temperature plasma arc use to locally melt and evaporate the metal at the workpiece cut. Then the molten metal remove the momentum of the high-speed plasma stream to form a slit.

Fiber laser cutting machine

It is a laser beam generated by a laser, transmitted through a series of mirrors. And finally focused by a focusing mirror to the surface of the workpiece, creating a local high temperature at the focus. So that the heated point of the workpiece is instantly melted or vaporized to form a slit. At the same time, an auxiliary gas blow out during the cutting process to blow out the slag at the slit. And finally achieve the purpose of processing.

Second, the type of cutting plate

Fine plasma cutting machine

It is suitable for the cutting of various metal materials. It mainly make of medium and heavy plate cutting, carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum plate and copper plate.

Fiber laser cutting machine

Mainly based on medium and thin plates, the cutting materials are relatively wide. And the cutting cost of non-ferrous metal high-reflective materials (stainless steel aluminum plate copper plate) is relatively high.

Third, the cutting characteristics

Fine plasma cutting machine

In the process of cutting medium and thick plates, a very high cutting speed can be achieved, 5-30mm sheet, speed is about 1.5-3.5mm/min, the slit is narrow. And the heat affected zone is small and the deformation is small.

Fiber laser cutting machine

The laser has high direction, high brightness and high intensity. Therefore, the laser cutting speed is fast, and the speed of cutting the thin plate can reach 10m/min. The cutting speed of the thin plate is much faster than that of the plasma cutting machine. And the cutting speed of the medium and heavy plate is obviously low. For fine plasma, the machining accuracy is high and the slit is very narrow.

Fourth, post-cutting treatment

Fine plasma cutting machine

One side of the cutting surface will produce a certain oblique opening, about 2-3°, which is worse than the laser perpendicularity, and the surface is smooth and free of dross.

Fiber laser cutting machine

The cutting quality is good, the cutting surface can directly use for welding, no grinding is needed, the deformation is small. And the surface roughness value is low, the oblique opening is small, and the precision is high.

V. Price cost

Fine plasma cutting machine

Low initial equipment investment and low maintenance cost, but the later cutting nozzle becomes the main consumable.

Fiber laser cutting machine

The cost is relatively high, the low power (below 1000w) is close to the high-power fine plasma, and the medium-high power (1000w or more) is high in one-time investment. Maintenance costs are low, but later optical lenses become the main consumable. The laser is cost-effective in cutting thin sheets, but it is inefficient when cutting medium-thick plates. Unless the quality requirements are high, the medium-thick plates are not suitable for laser cutting.

In summary

In thin sheet cutting, Laser cutting has a more significant advantage, plate cutting field, fine plasma is better. And in terms of cost, fine ion cutting is relatively affordable compared to laser cutting, laser VS fine plasma, each has its own merits! !
After all, rational investment, realistic arrangements, only the one that suits you is the best! !